Why Do People Move? Census Bureau Answers

Why do people Move? Among the 36 million people who moved between 2012 and 2013, a new study from the United States Census Bureau found that the most important reason to move was to find a new/better home or apartment. The study reported that 8 percent of respondents cited a desire for cheaper housing, while 5 percent said the most important reason for moving was to be closer to work or for an easier commute.

In total, 11.7 percent of surveyed participants moved in the year, with 48 percent moving for housing reasons compared to family or employment. All told, 17.2 million gave a housing-related reason for moving.

"We asked people to select the reason that contributed most to their decision to move. Picking one reason can be difficult as moves are often motivated by many different, and oftentimes competing, factors," said the report's author, David Ihrke, a demographer in the Census Bureau's Journey to Work and Migration Statistics Branch.

"For instance, if one's primary reason for moving is to be closer to work or having an easier commute, they may have to sacrifice other preferences. This could include forgoing cheaper housing options or settling for a different neighborhood. If they mainly want cheaper housing, they may have to deal with a longer commute," Ihrke said.

The report found that men were more likely to move for job-related reasons than women, while better-educated people were more likely to move for job-related reasons than those with lower levels of education.

The census found that moves within the same county were typically for housing reasons, while intercounty moves were largely for job-related reasons.

Colin Robins is the online editor for DSNews.com. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University and a Master of Arts from the University of Texas, Dallas. Additionally, he contributes to the MReport, DS News' sister site.